For my first article here at otto, I wanted to introduce myself — and I thought what better way to do that than with the same 3 Questions we’ve been asking from the start. It’s harder than it looks.

What is your favorite example of great design?
My dress form mannequin. It is so simple and pretty, but is one of the only tools I need to make just about any piece of clothing I can dream up.

What is the most memorable moment in your career as a designer?
The first time I showed someone in the fashion industry the first collection for my line, dressed in yellow, I hyperventilated in the elevator. I had to lower my head between my knees just to keep from passing out. Putting my creations on display for judgment has become easier, but I remember thinking that day — while staring at the dirty elevator floor — that I had nowhere to go but up.

What is the most important factor that influences and/or inspires your design process?
When designing — and writing about design — I am always taking into account what I love about all great design: that it is a perfect blend of aesthetics, process and function. I am particularly interested in how the three interact with each other and effect the people who live with it.

by Jean Lin